Kyle Orton
Quarterback, Purdue
Fourth round: No. 106
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Height: 6-4 Weight: 226
College highlights: Orton was a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy early last fall before turnovers and injuries marred his senior season. He completed 60.7 percent of his passes for 3,090 yards and 31 TDs vs. five interceptions in 2004. Before his struggles, the Boilermakers’ offense was averaging nearly 50 points. He passed for 522 yards vs. Indiana. He threw only 28 interceptions in 1,336 career passes.
Bears’ plan: Orton is expected to provide depth behind Rex Grossman, which is the best-case scenario. The Bears were in no rush to bring in a veteran in part because of what they felt they could find in the draft. The preseason battle between Orton and Chad Hutchinson for the No. 2 spot looms as significant, given the health questions with Grossman.
Airese Currie
Wide receiver, Clemson
Fifth round: No. 140
Height: 5-10 Weight: 186
College highlights: Another speed burner for the offense, Currie was an All-America track star in multiple categories although he did not post eye-popping times in the 40. He fell in the draft because of a stress fracture in his foot that he had surgically repaired in March so he would be ready for training camp. He caught 61 passes for 868 yards and two TDs last season after 43 for 560 yards and four TDs as a junior.
Bears’ plan: Let him run. Currie is not a big, physical receiver and not highly regarded for his blocking, but the theme of this Bears draft has been to spread the field and give QB Rex Grossman some help. Currie, like second-round pick Mark Bradley, will challenge Bernard Berrian, Justin Gage and Bobby Wade on a roster that could carry six wideouts.
Chris Harris
Safety, Louisiana-Monroe
Sixth round: No. 181
Height: 6-1 Weight: 214
College highlights: Harris is a physical safety who had 96 tackles as a senior, 86 as a junior and 127 as a sophomore. He made seven interceptions in 2004 and played well in games against top competition. His times in the 40 have varied, and a reported 4.77 dropped his draft stock.
Bears’ plan: Harris must make an impact on special teams to make a team that has depth at safety. His physical style of play will get him a serious look for his potential in run support, especially since injuries were problems for safeties Mike Brown and Bobby Gray last year.
Rodriques Wilson
Linebacker, South Carolina
Seventh round: No. 220
Height: 6-2 Weight: 230
College highlights: Wilson entered South Carolina as a quarterback, moved to wide receiver as a freshman and then to defense as a sophomore, playing both safety and linebacker. He played mostly safety as a junior and senior. He is considered extremely athletic with 4.6 speed. He had 68 tackles, four for loss, and three sacks last year.
Bears’ plan: Wilson fits their need for speed and projects as a special teams contributor. He has limited experience at linebacker, where his size suits him for the weak side. He has the speed to cover bigger tight ends and backs.
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